Earlier this week at the World Police Summit, APCO signed a partnership agreement with Dubai Police Headquarters to collaborate on advancing the agency’s role as a respected leader in the public safety communications industry. This strategic partnership aims to advance the next generation of UAE talent in emergency telecommunications through the development of standards-based training programs while aligning with U.S. accreditation and certification standards and exploring future international chapters and regional standards development.
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On May 12, APCO submitted a filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging the agency to amend its technical rules governing the 4.9 GHz band to support the deployment of advanced technologies, such as 5G. These changes would promote innovation, help modernize public safety communications and enable 5G services while continuing to protect public safety users. APCO will continue to monitor this issue and provide updates. 
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Tuesday, July 29
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind block party at M&T Bank Stadium, where Baltimore flavor meets Ravens pride! Join us for an exclusive Ravens experience featuring interactive stations, unforgettable photo opportunities and rare access to the legendary Ravens locker room! Enjoy a buffet dinner and access to cash bars throughout the evening. Visit the website for all of the event details.
Register now to join in the fun!

Join an APCO Standards working group and help shape the future of public safety communications. Working group members are needed for:

• Core Competencies and Minimum Training Standards for Peer Critical Incident (or Crisis) Support Team
• Alarm Monitoring Company to Emergency Communications Center Computer-Aided Dispatch Automated Secure Alarm Protocol
• Best Practices for ECCs When Processing Vehicle Telematics Calls from Telematics Service Providers
• Core Competencies and Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Communications Instructor

To volunteer for a standards working group that best aligns with your background, skills and interests, visit the APCO Standards website or contact standards@apcointl.org.

Take your expertise to the next level with the APCO course, Crisis Negotiations, 2nd Edition, designed to prepare public safety telecommunicators for intense, high-risk situations including hostage incidents, barricaded subjects and suicidal callers. This advanced course goes beyond the basics, exploring the dynamics of crisis situations and providing real-world tools for effective communication, managing demands and negotiating resolutions. Available in the APCO Virtual Classroom on June 5 and online June 4 - 24. Additional dates are available. Worth 8 CDEs.
See all upcoming dates

Getting your team certified to train other team members is beneficial for emergency communications centers (ECCs). APCO’s Agency Instructor Program offers five online instructor certifications, giving ECCs the flexibility to deliver in-house training that meets national standards. APCO offers five instructor disciplines to choose from:

• Communications Training Officer Instructor
• Emergency Medical Dispatch Instructor
• Fire Service Communications Instructor
• Law Enforcement Communications Instructor
• Public Safety Telecommunicator Instructor

See all upcoming instructor course dates

5x5 ― the confirmation of a strong and clear signal ― and the place to make your voice heard and drive public safety communications forward. This annual, three-day summit brings together leaders in public safety, academia, government and industry.

This year, attendees will meet in Bellevue, Washington, from June 3-5 to:  

• Network and share ideas with fellow leaders in the field.
• Try out the latest innovations in public safety communications technology.
• Explore research breakthroughs and new ideas for R&D.
• Interface with two federal agencies — the FirstNet Authority and NIST PSCR.

Visit 5x5.FirstNet.gov to register.

Longtime APCO member Donna Bird passed away after 48 years of distinguished service to Fairfax County’s Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC), helping to shape both the foundation and future of 9-1-1 in the county. In 1975 she became a Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Services fire public safety telecommunicator in the emergency operations center (EOC) and later an employee of the Fairfax County Police Department.
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Improve your skills, build your career expertise and earn CDEs needed for recertification with an upcoming APCO Institute course online, in-person or in the APCO Virtual Classroom. The following courses have open seats available:                          

APCO Virtual Classroom Courses Coming Up

• June 2-5: Fire Service Communications, 3rd Edition #72445
• June 5: Crisis Negotiations, 2nd Edition #72428
• June 16-18: Communications Center Manager, 1st Edition #72410
• June 19-20: Disaster Operations and the Communications Center, 2nd Edition #74727

Online Courses Starting Soon

• June 4-24: Fundamentals of Tactical Dispatch #72566
• June 4-24: Staffing and Retention for the ECC, 2nd Edition #74618
• June 4-24: Surviving Stress #72578
• June 4 - July 8: Comprehensive Quality #72557 

In-person Courses

• Cullman, AL 
  July 14-15: Fundamentals of Tactical Dispatch #74858
  July 16: Crisis Negotiations, 2nd Edition #74860
  July 17-18: Disaster Operations and the Communications Center, 2nd Edition #74861
• Lancaster, OH
  July 16: Active Shooter Incidents for Public Safety Communications, 2nd Edition #75188

More course topics and dates are available. See the training schedule

RGB Spectrum and Gemstar Manufacturing Partner to Deliver Tactical Operations Units for Military-Grade Deployments